In a much-anticipated move, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that starting from 2025, all serving corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000. This comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and security of corps members across Nigeria. The announcement was made by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, at an event in Abuja on January 7th, 2025.
Speaking at the unveiling of a new staff bus, donated by Capital Express Insurance Company, General Ahmed reassured corps members that arrangements for the increased allowance had been finalized and were set to take effect soon. He emphasized that the welfare of the corps members had always been one of his top priorities.
“I am pleased to inform you all that, as of 2025, you will begin to receive the N77,000 minimum wage as your monthly allowance,” General Ahmed confirmed. “This increase is a long-awaited adjustment and reflects our commitment to ensuring that your time in the service scheme is rewarding and sustainable,” he added.
The increase in pay is expected to provide much-needed relief for corps members who, in recent times, have raised concerns over the adequacy of their allowance, particularly in light of rising living costs across the country.
The announcement comes as part of wider efforts by the NYSC leadership to improve living conditions for corps members, including measures to address transportation challenges. During the same event, General Ahmed highlighted that transportation had remained a major concern for both corps members and staff of the scheme, particularly in Abuja, where the cost of commuting is high.
“We have heard the concerns of our corps members and staff about the difficulty of transportation to and from office locations, and today’s donation is one of many steps being taken to ease that burden,” he said.
The staff bus, which was donated by Capital Express Insurance Company, is intended to facilitate easy and affordable transportation for NYSC staff and corps members, particularly within the capital city. The CEO of Capital Express Insurance, Mr. Matthew Ogwezhi, who was present at the event, described the gesture as part of an ongoing partnership between his company and the NYSC aimed at improving the lives of those serving in the scheme.
“This donation is a result of the solid partnership we have maintained with the NYSC over the years,” said Ogwezhi. “We understand the transportation challenges faced by the corps members and the staff, especially in a city where fuel prices are high. This bus will contribute towards making commuting more affordable.”
Ogwezhi also highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility and giving back to the community. “The legacy of any organization is built on the impact it has on society,” he said. “Our contribution today is an extension of that belief. We believe in the work being done by the NYSC, and we are honored to play our part.”
The donation marks the continuation of the collaboration between the NYSC and Capital Express Insurance Company, with both parties committed to enhancing the service experience for corps members and staff. The partnership, according to General Ahmed, is part of a broader push to address logistical and welfare concerns that frequently arise among those serving in the NYSC.
Beyond the increase in allowance and transportation support, the NYSC’s leadership is also focusing on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of corps members. General Ahmed stressed that security measures would be further heightened in 2025 to ensure that no corps member is exposed to unnecessary risks during their service year.
“The welfare of our corps members remains our utmost priority. Our ongoing initiatives are focused on making sure that corps members feel supported and secure throughout their service,” he said.
This development comes at a time when there has been increasing public discourse on the need for better compensation for Nigeria’s youth serving in national service. With inflation hitting many sectors of the Nigerian economy, the NYSC’s efforts to raise corps members’ monthly allowances is seen as an attempt to cushion the financial strain many have been experiencing while serving.
In addition to the improved allowances and transportation provisions, the NYSC leadership is reportedly working on a series of other reforms aimed at optimizing the overall service experience. While details on future plans are still under wraps, sources indicate that the NYSC intends to roll out additional benefits in the coming months, designed to further enhance the appeal of the scheme to young Nigerians and make the service year more enjoyable.
The news has already sparked excitement and widespread discussion among corps members across various states. Corps members in different camps and orientations have expressed their gratitude, with many calling the pay increase a much-needed development. Corps members in major cities, particularly Abuja, where transportation costs are particularly high, have said that the addition of a staff bus and the increase in allowances will significantly ease the strain they face.
“I have been worried about how much I’ve been spending to move around with my current stipend, but now, it’s a relief to know that we will receive more money,” said a corps member, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This is good news for us, and we hope that more improvements will follow.”
